Based on NIH | Is it safe to consume ginger or ginger tea after taking omeprazole, or could ginger affect how the medication works?

Most people can safely consume ginger (including ginger tea) while taking omeprazole, and there is no clear evidence that ginger meaningfully reduces omeprazole’s acid‑suppressing effect. Omeprazole labeling advises caution with some herbal products especially St. John’s wort because they can change drug levels, but ginger is not specifically listed among problematic herbs. ^[1] Omeprazole can affect the absorption of certain drugs that require stomach acid, but this does not imply the reverse that ginger alters omeprazole’s effect. ^[2]

What the official information says

• Omeprazole product information highlights interactions with specific medicines and herbs, notably St. John’s wort and rifampin, which can lower omeprazole levels by inducing liver enzymes. Ginger is not named among these agents. ^[1]
• Labels also emphasize that omeprazole may change the absorption of other drugs that depend on stomach acidity (for example, certain antifungals and iron), reflecting its strong acid‑reducing action. This is a one‑way effect from omeprazole to other drugs, not from foods or herbs to omeprazole. ^{[2] [3]}

What is known about ginger’s effects

• Ginger can modestly stimulate stomach movement in some settings, slightly speeding gastric emptying in small studies. This pro‑motility effect does not appear to impair how enteric‑coated omeprazole is absorbed or works. ^[4]
• Omeprazole is designed as enteric‑coated granules that dissolve in the intestine; classic studies show its total exposure (AUC) is largely unaffected by gastric acidity shifts, supporting stable absorption under varied stomach conditions. This makes it unlikely that ginger’s mild motility effects would reduce omeprazole efficacy. ^[5]

Practical guidance on taking ginger with omeprazole

• Timing: Omeprazole works best when taken on an empty stomach, about 30–60 minutes before a meal. Having ginger or ginger tea later with or after meals is generally reasonable and unlikely to interfere. ^[1]
• Dose: Culinary amounts (as tea, cooking spice, or small capsules) are typically considered low risk for interaction with omeprazole. If you use high‑dose ginger supplements, extra caution is sensible even though a specific omeprazole–ginger interaction is not established. ^[1]

When to be more cautious

• Blood thinners: Ginger has a mild, theoretical blood‑thinning effect; while this does not directly involve omeprazole, those on warfarin should monitor INR closely because omeprazole itself has reported interactions with warfarin that can increase INR. If you combine warfarin, omeprazole, and frequent/high‑dose ginger, discuss with your clinician. ^{[6] [7]}
• Multiple supplements: Because labels advise disclosing all vitamins and herbal supplements with omeprazole, let your healthcare provider know if you take ginger regularly, especially alongside other herbs or drugs with known interactions. ^{[1] [8]}

---

Bottom line

• Ginger or ginger tea is generally safe to consume with omeprazole, and there is no strong evidence that ginger reduces omeprazole’s effectiveness. ^{[1] [2]}
• Standard counseling focuses on avoiding St. John’s wort and certain enzyme‑inducing drugs with omeprazole; ginger is not among them. ^[1]
• If you use high‑dose ginger supplements, take multiple medications, or are on blood thinners, it’s wise to check with your clinician and monitor for any changes in symptoms. ^{[6] [7] [1]}